Empowering Youth in Public Policy
3rd Youth Camp: Singhadang Policy Maker
Mr. Chayanont Rungruengsak, Deputy Director of HSF, along with HSF staff, ASA Vichakarn, and student participants
ASA Vichakarn, Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University
The camp aimed to empower young people by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary for meaningful participation in the policymaking process. Over the course of four days, participants engaged in an in-depth exploration of five core policy areas – Education, Welfare, Environment, Economy, and Well-being – through interactive workshops, expert-led lectures, and a Policy Pitching competition.
On Day 1, the programme commenced with ice-breaking activities followed by foundational lectures on public policy. Dr. Purawich Watanasukh delivered a presentation on “The Power of Youth in Creating Change through Public Policy,” emphasising the crucial role of youth involvement in shaping the future of public policy. This was followed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Ajirapa Pienkhuntod, who provided an in-depth examination of “Public Policy Process: From Idea to Tangible Change,” discussing the definition, scope, and classification of public policy, as well as the key actors involved in the policymaking process.
Day 2 of the programme centered on five key policy areas: Education, Welfare, Environment, Economy, and Well-being. Through a series of engaging presentations by distinguished speakers, participants explored pressing national challenges and potential policy solutions.
- Welfare Policy: Asst. Prof. Dr. Thorn Pitidol presented "Challenges in Developing Thailand's Welfare System," delving into the complexities of Thailand’s welfare and social protection frameworks, and emphasising the urgent need for reform.
- Economic Policy: In "Economic and Social Policy Agenda," Dr. Wannapong Durongkaveroj explored the links between economic and social policy, touching on topics such as structural transformation, trade, poverty alleviation, and inequality.
- Mental Health and Well-being: In “Navigating Today’s Mental Health Landscape,” Ms. Cholakorn Meethong and Mr. Mark Jaksuwijitkorn highlighted the increasing importance of mental health policy in tackling contemporary social challenges and enhancing quality of life.
- Education Policy: Mr. Jirawut Jitjak and Mr. Pataraphol Pummarin addressed "Education and Social Policy Agenda," focusing on the persistent issue of educational inequality and advocating for policies that promote equity and effectiveness in the education system.
- Environmental Policy: Mr. Thawatchai Palakhamarn concluded the day with “Shaping Our Future: The Power of Policy in Protecting Our Planet and Ourselves,” stressing the critical role of policy in combating environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
The winning team, Descendants of Farmers, presented the policy titled “Reducing the Burning of Rice Straw and Stubble to Decrease PM2.5 Pollution”
The highlight of the camp on the third day was the Policy Pitching competition, where teams presented their proposals to judges Asst. Prof. Dr. Chai Chaiyachit and Mr. Chakorn Loetnithat. The winning team, "Descendants of Farmers," impressed judges with their policy titled "Reducing the Burning of Rice Straw and Stubble to Decrease PM2.5 Pollution," which offered practical solutions to minimise agricultural burning practices that contribute to air pollution.
The camp concluded on the fourth day with an experience-sharing session and certificate awarding ceremony, celebrating the participants' achievements and newly developed policy skills.
This initiative represents part of HSF's ongoing commitment to fostering democratic participation and policy engagement among Thai youth, preparing the next generation of policymakers to address complex national challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions.
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